Electric vehicle charge network provider Volta has announced the first free public-access DC fast charging network. The new fast charge stations can add up to 350 miles of range per hour and are compatible with a variety of electric vehicles.

Volta will install the first 150 stations nationwide over the next 12 months at retail locations. Additionally, the fast chargers will be placed by Volta’s Level 2 stations to accommodate visits to places like grocery stores and coffeeshops.

“Volta’s free DC fast charging program represents a shift in the industry that no other publicly available charging brand can match,” said Scott Mercer, Volta’s founder and CEO. “For the first time, electric car drivers will be able to experience the satisfaction of quick and free charging at places where they already spend their time. Our charger network is designed to intelligently expand the critical infrastructure needed for electric vehicle adoption, while inspiring the public to ditch gas and go electric.”

Unlike other public-access charging networks, drivers pay nothing for their first 30 minutes of Volta DC fast charging, the equivalent of receiving up to 175 miles worth of free fuel, according to the company. 

The new fast charging stations will range in power from 50kW to 100kW, with charging initiated via Volta’s mobile app. After the initial free 30-minute session is completed, drivers can choose to pay to continue their session. 

Volta’s first fast charging station will open later this month in Norwalk, Conn. The company plans to expand to other metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.